Thousands of bees encircle me. Their frenzy suggests
excitement, confusion, perhaps anger? My usual instinct at the sight of even a
single bee is to run for cover, yet I am not afraid. This is because Noel
Patterson, resident beekeeper at Miraval Resort, has allayed my fears through
education and understanding—and yeah, the bee suit helps a bit, too.
Miraval is not your typical resort. Of course, they have all
the usual amenities, but they promote living life in balance, a mantra honored not
only in the services they offer, but also in the footprint they leave on their
environment.
The 400-acre property balances on the fringe of Catalina,
Arizona, a modest ranch town neighboring Tucson’s north side and the Santa
Catalina mountains. As I near the destination instead of passing by
million-dollar homes, pretentious restaurants, and swanky shopping centers I
see simple abodes, farm equipment, and mobile homes. The renowned resort
doesn’t loom above or sprawl across prime real estate, but rather maintains
harmony with its surroundings. In fact, if I wasn’t paying close attention, I
might’ve missed it.
Don’t get me wrong, the grounds are a veritable oasis amid
the arid landscape. Towering palms and other native vegetation thrive along the
boundaries of a cascading stream. Throughout the property thought-provoking works
of art feed the mind. The minimalist interior design calms—giving me room to
breathe. Here, even your wardrobe is pressure free. Most guests sport workout
clothes or bathrobes on their way to each activity. And, it’s the activities
that truly define Miraval.
Meditation, exercise, nutrition, food harvesting and
preparation are just a few concentrations that complement the spa experience. Conducted
by a host of highly trained specialists, all are designed to produce an “aha”
moment, but participation is at your pace.
Challenging My Limits
My personal refrain is to do something that scares me. Cheered
on by fellow thrill seekers at the “Desert Tightrope,” I climb 35-feet up a
wooden telephone pole. Heart racing, I stretch to grasp the dangling ropes that
will keep me upright on the 60-foot length of tight wire. I worry, will my
sweaty palms hold? Will I fall before I even get started? My helmet, harness,
and belay minimize risk, but still I’m outside my comfort zone. I sidestep to the
end of the line. Pulse steadied, I’m feeling confident. I release the rope
holds… balance momentarily… strike an elegant pose, and then… I step gracefully
off the wire. Show off, right?
Felling cocky, I strut off to the climbing wall. Having done
a fair amount of rock climbing, it’s another opportunity to showcase my
physical prowess. But there’s a twist. You’re tethered to another climber, someone
with zero experience. Wait. What?
Overcoming each challenge admittedly revealed my show-boater
tendencies, but what of my fears? Climbing the pole ladder (ascension), public
failure (ego), and curtailed independence (being responsible for others)
presented the most stress. Hhmm. But Miraval is about life in balance, so with challenge
comes reward. A Swedish massage, a tai chi class, and a yummy protein shake from
their complimentary smoothie bar—try the Nutty Banana--ensues.
Getting Buzzed
My visit’s final fear challenge is “All the Buzz.” A single
bee sets me off, and I’m about to surround myself with, like, 70,000. Safely seated
in a charming enclave outside the bee zone, Noel Patterson reveals all we need
to know… bee behavior, life cycle, communal structure. How they’re vital to our
food chain. Without bees, we have no fruit, no vegetables, no nuts, no coffee.
It’s fascinating, and I find myself falling in love with bees.
With this new appreciation, we suit up. Noel checks that we’re
completely covered, yet he strolls out gloveless and hoodless—talk about facing
down your fears. As he deconstructs the bee box, we see worker bees building
the comb and depositing nectar. We find the queen dutifully laying eggs, but
where are the pupae? Noel gives the pallet a good shake. Bees take
flight—swarming (though not technically swarming) around us. No problem, we’re
safe. Before we leave, Noel graciously snaps a photo for each of us as we hold
a pallet full of bees. Proof positive that I dashed that fear.
My reward for this achievement must of course be sweet. At
“Honey: A Sensual Journey,” we taste the honey produced at Miraval (used both
in their kitchen and spa) along with other local samples and single-source varieties
from around the world. I learn that honey, like wine, has many different flavor
profiles—derived directly from their environment. Noel, a former sommelier,
says, “Wine is the representation of place, while honey is the material essence
of place.”
Before departing, I visit the gift shop to purchase their
honey. Unfortunately, they’re sold out, but disappointment turns to
appreciation as I recall they only take what the bees don’t need—another
example of Miraval’s mission. They truly do honor nature’s rules of give and
take, maintaining life in balance. That’s the essence of this place.
A New Appreciation
Now, I’m home, pruning a tree. A bee hovers nearby. No
worries, we’re both just doing our thing. I watch her collect pollen and nectar.
I smile, appreciating the work she’s doing to maintain the delicate balance of
beauty and bounty in this place.
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